A total of 156 countries have joined the global COVAX scheme intended to ensure fair distribution of supplies of future vaccines against COVID-19, an alliance led by the World Health Organization (WHO) was quoted as saying by Reuters, on Monday. The list includes 64 wealthier and self-financing countries, accounting for about two-thirds of the global population, a statement issued by the WHO and GAVI vaccine alliance said, after a deadline of last Friday to make binding commitments. The goal of COVAX is to deliver two billion vaccine doses around the world, by the end of 2021, with healthcare workers prioritized initially and then the most vulnerable 20% of people in every participating country, regardless of income level.
